Semi-micro analytical technique in mineral exploration and ore genesis studies

Summary

Using X-ray excitation and a scanning electron microscope, the detection limit for some elements in certain matrices was extended down to 30 ppm, thus enabling individual mineral grains to be analysed rather than whole rock.

The technique was exercised on 310 samples covering chrome diopside, chromite, garnet, ilmenite, olivine and zircon from kimberlitic and non-kimberlitic rock sources.

Keywords: chrome diopside, garnet, ilmenite rock source prediction, X-ray fluorescence